Overview

iXS is a new player in the helmet arena so you figure they’d take a few years to figure it out right? Well, in a nutshell, this helmet is dialed. iXS seems to exhibit good core values as we’ve noticed in their armor and protection products: deliver well-designed products at a great value.

The Trail RS helmet is a light, attractive, full coverage helmet that can be had for $119. Read on and see if it’s right for you.

Fit, Pads and Retention System

The helmet cavity is roomy and it seems to fit a lot of heads, both round shaped and oval, and it is complemented by a great set of pads. Similar to the Bell Super, iXS did not skimp on the pads, as it offers a one-piece unit that is comfortable and easy to remove and wash. Retention system is rubberized for comfort around the temples and has pads near the big dial on the rear.

One downside is the helmet sits low on the brow with a slight forward tilt. So one has to really adjust it to get enough clearance and away from obstructing the view during climbs and big descents. The retention system is adjustable to control helmet tilt, but we found we had to adjust the straps too to lean the helmet back a bit.

Ventilation

This is where the Trail RS excelled, as this helmet was the best performer in our ventilation test. It was second only to our control Uvex CP road helmet which seemed to be all vents in the front. The reason for the Trail RS’s success is revealed as one views the helmet from the front. The vents are huge and they’re uninterrupted by the visor. In fact, the visor seems to port the wind through the vents instead of directing airflow over the helmet.

Continue reading for more on the iXS Trail RS and the full photo gallery.

The founder of mtbr and roadbikereview, Francis Cebedo believes that every cyclist has a lot to teach and a lot to learn. "Our websites are communal hubs for sharing cycling experiences, trading adventure stories, and passing along product information and opinions." Francis' favorite bike is the last bike he rode, whether it's a dirt jumper, singlespeed, trail bike, lugged commuter or ultralight carbon road steed. Indeed, Francis loves cycling in all its forms and is happiest when infecting others with that same passion. Francis also believes that IPA will save America.

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Hi,I’d like to buy this helmet, but i saw a lot of people saying on MTB site reviews to take care about sizing( IXS Trail Helmet). My head measures 58 cm and i don’t know if the S/M size it will be good for me.Could you send to me the inner distance from temple to temple and forehead to the nape in centimeters(S/M, without padding)?I don’t want to buy a L/XL helmet…haha! Thank you!

Francis, thanks for the review. You sold me on the IXS over the Bell. I heat up easily and ventilation is key for me. One question, how is the light/GoPro mounting capability? I have a Kali Avita now and the light has to be positioned in such a way that the weight from the light pushes the helmet down in the front causing it to be uncomfortable and a bit of a pain.. From the looks of it, it seems you can mount a light more on top of the helmet, rather than the front as is the case with the Kali. What say you?

I’m very interested in this helmet and it looks great! The problem i’m finding out in shopping for a new lid is there’s not a lot out there for big mellons like I have.. I love my Giro Hex and might get another one but want to try something else that 63cm+.. I had to send back a POC b/c of that. I wish there was more of a market out there in the XL cag.

I picked one of these up the other day. I was planning on buying the new Bell Enduro helmet, but it just didn’t fit. I find myself in-between sizes with Giro and Bell’s 3 size system. IXS’s 2 size system fits me perfect, and the helmet looks great. It has plenty of vents, but it does sit very close to my head without any internal channeling. It doesn’t look like as much air will flow between the helmet and my head as my old Giro Xen with internal channeling. I’m taking both helmets out to the 24HOP this weekend, so I’ll get a good comparison. There is more coverage in the rear than the Xen, and the visor and fit adjustment system seem more substantial and sturdier. Actual weight for my S/M is 308g.

Hi,I’d like to buy this helmet, but i saw a lot of people saying on MTB site reviews to take care about sizing( IXS Trail Helmet). My head measures 58 cm and i don’t know if the S/M size it will be good for me.Could you send to me the inner distance from temple to temple and forehead to the nape in centimeters(S/M, without padding)?I don’t want to buy a L/XL helmet…haha! Thank you!

Bought one of these (iXS trail RS helmet). A few months back. Great helmet. Excellent ventilation. Easy adjustable and comfortable to wear. It sits nicely on my head with minimal weight. Great price as well. Even preferred it to my friends Bell Super. Looks good as well.